Elisha’s disciples complain that their living quarters are too cramped, tzar (צר). In Hebrew, tzar means ’narrow,’ and is often used metaphorically to describe a place of trouble. For example, in Tehillim (118:5) King David proclaims that he is calling out to Hashem from a place of trouble and pain, “min hamaytzar” (מן המצר). In this verse, it can have both the literal and the metaphoric meanings, as there is insufficient space and also troubles from enemies. For both types of difficulty, divine assistance is needed.Comment

2 Let us go to the Yarden, and let us each get a log there and build quarters there for ourselves to live in.” “Do so,” he replied.

22 “No, do not,” he replied. “Did you take them captive with your sword and bow that you would strike them down? Rather, set food and drink before them, and let them eat and drink and return to their master.”

32 Now Elisha was sitting at home and the elders were sitting with him. The king had sent ahead one of his men; but before the messenger arrived, [Elisha] said to the elders, “Do you see—that murderer has sent someone to cut off my head! Watch when the messenger comes, and shut the door and hold the door fast against him. No doubt the sound of his master’s footsteps will follow.”

Kings Map

About The Israel Bible

The Israel Bible is the world’s first Tanakh (Bible) centered around the Land of Israel, the People of Israel, and the dynamic relationship between them. Designed for both Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike, The Israel Bible offers a unique commentary that seeks to explain God’s focus on the Land of Israel alongside the original Hebrew text, transliteration of select Hebrew verses, and the New Jewish Publication Society translation.
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